Brandeis Alumni, Family and Friends

California

  • Brandeis group posing for photo after beach clean up event in Northern California
    Alumni and their families gathered for a beach clean-up in San Francisco in August 2023, in partnership with the Surfrider Foundation. Part of the Brandeis 75th Anniversary Global Service Initiative (GSI), this day of service brought alumni together to make a collective impact in their community. The event was co-chaired by Zoe Hertz ’20 and Ariel Meave-Ohrt, GSAS MA’13. 
  • a Group of Alumni and Family enjoying a Hike in the Redwood of Northern California
    Alumni, friends, and family enjoyed a hike through the majestic redwoods in Oakland in June 2023, organized by Zoe Hertz ’20.

California is home to two active alumni clubs that serve the more than 5,500 Brandeis alumni who live in the state: the Alumni Club of Northern California and the Alumni Club of Southern California. Both clubs offer diverse programs and opportunities to connect socially with other members of the Brandeis community, engage in exclusive cultural activities and continue lifelong learning through access to renowned speakers. Many programs are open to family and friends in these regions as well.

Popular events include the Los Angeles-area alumni book club and traveling Faculty in the Field speaker series which take place annually. The Alumni Club of Southern California also has a regional Lawyers Network, which hosts events for alumni attorneys annually, and a Media Network, which taps into the vibrant film and television scene.

Whether you are new to the region or have lived here for many years, we welcome you to join our regional leadership team to plan programs that will bring Brandeisians together

Meet Our Regional Leadership Team

James Finney-Conlon ’16, Heller MPP’18
James Finney-Conlon ’16, Heller MPP’18

Alumni Club of Southern California, President

Los Angeles, California
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Senior Public Policy Manager, Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce

Favorite Brandeis Professor: Professor AOKO

Favorite Place on Campus: Louis Brandeis Statue

Favorite Brandeis Memory: Pulling an all-nighter and watching the sunrise from the top of the castle my freshman year with a bunch of friends.

I volunteer because Brandeis is my home away from home and I want to help ensure the institution supports upcoming students so they feel they can truly grow while studying at Brandeis.

Ariel Meave-Ohrt, GSAS MA’13
Ariel Meave-Ohrt, GSAS MA’13

Alumni Club of Northern California, President

Oakland, California
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Event Planner, Me & You

Favorite Brandeis Professor: Sarah Lamb

Favorite Place on Campus: Einstein Bros in the campus center

My Favorite Brandeis Memory: My roommate bought me a pair of earmuffs because I was from California and utterly unequipped to deal with the weather!

I volunteer because I have always enjoyed bringing people together and building community. First, as a resident assistant in college and now as a party planner, creating fun and engaging programming that adds meaning to peoples' lives is my biggest goal. My time at Brandeis showed me what a special community it is, and I appreciate the education and experiences it gave to me, so I'd like to give back and think that this is a fitting way for me to do that.